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(includes SCIENCE EDUCATION courses) Core courses are identified as lab science or allied science by color. GNSC 0101: Physical Science (4) Includes the basic concepts of physics, chemistry, Earth-space science, and the application of scientific methodology to these areas. Topics may include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, chemical bonding, plate tectonics, the cycles of the Earth, and astronomy. The relationships of these concepts to societal issues are discussed. (usually offered every semester) GNSC 0239: Current Topics in Science Seminar (1) Students will read and discuss articles from the semi-popular scientific press (e.g. American Scientist, Discover, Geotimes, Natural History, Scientific American) related to topics of current interest in the physical sciences. Each registered student will make at least one presentation of an article and will lead the discussion that follows. Departmental faculty and one or two speakers from outside the Westfield State College community will be invited to speak each semester. May be repeated for credit, but only 1 credit may be applied toward the General Science major requirements. Prerequisites: sophomore or junior or senior standing in either the Chemistry or General Science Majors (i.e. 8 or more credits in the physical sciences), or permission of the instructor. (expect to offer every spring semester) GNSC 0330: Science, Technology and Society (3) A broad survey of the history of science, the interplay between scientific and technological advances, and the impacts of science and technology on society. The course will include an in-depth look at the scientific and technological aspects of issues such as the rapid growth of information technology, twenty-first century transportation, energy and mineral resources (including the environmental problems associated with energy usage), the development of military weapons systems, and the exploration and colonization of the solar system. Prerequisites: GEOL 0101 or GEOL 0102 or CHEM 0101 or PHSC 0101 or permission of the instructor. (usually offered in alternate fall semesters, including F09) GNSC 0360: Methods of Science Education for preK-6 (2) An activity-based format will be used to create a learning environment that fosters an exploration of the processes of science, and ways of integrating elementary instruction in the sciences and mathematics. Emphasis will be placed on the role and use of manipulatives in a laboratory setting that encourages the development of fundamental concepts in both disciplines. Topics may include: scientific inquiry and science process skills, cognitive development theory, the learning cycle, discussion of innovative programs that integrate mathematics and the sciences, state and national frameworks, and techniques for assessment. Three contact hours per week, including substantial laboratory/activity time. Prerequisites: MATH 0150 and science courses required for early childhood, elementary, or special education licensure, or permission of the instructor. (expect to offer every semester beginning S09) GNSC 0371: Methods of Science Education for the Middle School (3) This course emphasizes the inquiry approach to teaching science. Students will be introduced to the National Science Education Standards and the current curricula based on those standards. Students will make a series of planned observations, totaling 30 hours, in area schools. These observations will be the basis for discussion of topics including: teacher-student interaction; introduction, presentation and summary of a lesson; evaluation; discipline; laboratory procedures and safety. Students will also present lessons to both their classmates and to one of the classes which they have observed. Other areas presented in this course will include professional organizations and journals, science software, audiovisual materials and IEPs. Prerequisites: EDUC 0352 or EDUC 0354, and CHEM 0111, and PHSC 0117, and either BIOL 0128 or BIOL 0129, and one of ASTR 0101 or GEOL 0101 or GEOL 0106. (expect to offer every fall semester) GNSC 0373: Methods of Chemistry Education (3) This course emphasizes the inquiry approach to teaching chemistry. Students will be introduced to the chemistry programs developed by the National Science Foundation and the current curricula based on those programs. Students will make a series of planned observations, totaling 30 hours, in area schools. Those observations will be the basis for discussion of topics including evaluation, discipline, laboratory procedures and safety. Students also will present lessons to both their classmates and to one of the classes which they have observed. Other areas presented in this course will include professional organizations and journals, chemistry software, audiovisual materials and IEPs. Prerequisites: EDUC 0353 or EDUC 0354 and CHEM 0203 or permission of the instructor. (expect to offer every fall semester) GNSC 0383: Senior Seminar in General Science (1) Provides students with an opportunity to reflect on and document their growth during their college program. Students will discuss the Department's objectives for the program, evaluate their progress toward achievement of those objectives, and produce a portfolio demonstrating their own development and skills. The portfolio will also serve as a resource for their pursuit of professional positions. Prerequisite: senior standing within the General Science Major. (usually offered in fall semester) GNSC 0398: Internship (2-15) Offers students the opportunity to explore employment opportunities in the sciences by completing a paid or unpaid internship in a business, non-profit organization, or governmental setting. Each credit of internship should correspond to approximately 40 hours of work. Students will be required to keep a log of their activities during the internship and to complete a reflective paper on their experience at its conclusion. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing within either the General Science or Chemistry Majors, or permission of the instructor. (offered on demand) GNSC 0399: Indpendent Study (1-3) Independent study, under the supervision of a faculty member, on an interdisciplinary topic in the sciences or in an area of science education beyond that covered by departmental courses. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (offered on demand) |
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